More retail workers are turning to GroceryAid for support, according to the charity’s latest Impact Report, which revealed a significant increase in demand for financial, emotional and practical assistance across the sector.
The report shows that GroceryAid helped 19,200 grocery workers during 2025/26 through a combination of financial grants, counselling services, specialist support and online resources. Increased awareness of the charity’s services contributed to a 15% year-on-year rise in financial grant applications during a major awareness campaign.
GroceryAid’s findings highlight the challenges facing many workers across the convenience retail sector. According to the report, 38% of grocery workers say they are finding it difficult to cope with daily life, while 53% have experienced tough times during the past 18 months. Mental health concerns and financial pressures remain among the most common issues affecting colleagues and their families.
During the year, the charity awarded 8,395 financial grants to more than 8,000 workers, including cost of living support, school essentials grants, carers’ grants and emergency financial relief. GroceryAid said the support has helped many households manage rising living costs and remain financially stable during difficult periods.
The charity’s emotional support services also experienced strong demand. More than 4,200 people accessed help through GroceryAid’s confidential helpline, with over 11,000 support sessions delivered across counselling, mental health and wellbeing services. Anxiety, stress, bereavement and relationship difficulties were among the most common reasons for seeking support.
GroceryAid also expanded specialist services during the year, including the introduction of high-intensity counselling and a partnership with Autism & ADHD.org, providing additional support for colleagues and their families.
While awareness of the charity is increasing, the report shows there is still more to be done to ensure colleagues feel comfortable asking for support, with nearly one in three (31%) people who need help saying the fear of being judged stops them from reaching out.
- SLR is once again offering local retailers the chance to win one of 15 pairs of tickets to Checkout Scotland 2026, the flagship music festival from the GroceryAid Scotland committee Find out more here
